Racist Text Linked to Pro-Gregory Group Upends Final Stretch of Florida HD 87 Special Election

Overview

• Voters in Palm Beach County’s House District 87 will choose on March 24 between Democrat Emily Gregory and Republican Jon Maples to fill a seat vacant since August.
• A text sent to voters portrayed Maples in a rundown motel image and was paid for by Lift-Off Florida, a committee that has also paid Blue Velocity Consulting, the same firm used by Gregory’s campaign, drawing public condemnation from GOP leaders including Speaker-designate Sam Garrison.
• The message included a false claim that Maples voted to raise taxes in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and it leaned on residency allegations that Maples disputes as he says he has moved into a home in Jupiter within the district.
• Maples reports roughly $440,000 raised with significant in-kind support from the Florida House Republican Campaign Committee, while Gregory’s campaign cites about $325,000 with additional committee help.
• The race centers on affordability with Maples advocating tax cuts and exploring property tax elimination, while Gregory opposes scrapping property taxes and prioritizes insurance reforms, education funding and healthcare access.